Angers vs Auxerre Prediction

Right then, let's have a proper look at this basement battle between Angers and Auxerre. Two sides struggling for form, but someone's got to nick three points, ain't they?

Angers are sitting 14th with 10 points, and while that's hardly champagne football territory, they've shown a bit of grit lately. They've managed draws against proper sides like Marseille (2-2) and Monaco (1-1), and even grabbed a win against Lorient (2-0). Mind you, they also got absolutely stuffed 5-0 by Strasbourg, so they're hardly consistent. At home though, they're a different beast - only conceding 1 goal per game on their own patch.

Auxerre, bless 'em, are rock bottom of the table with just 7 points. Their form is absolutely shocking - 1 point from their last 5 games and they haven't won away from home all season. They're shipping goals for fun on the road too, letting in over 2 per game. Their only win this season came against Toulouse (1-0), but since then it's been four straight losses.

When these two have met at Angers' place, it's usually a tight affair - 4 draws in 5 previous meetings. But Angers did win the last encounter 2-0, and given Auxerre's current state, I fancy them to do it again.

Both sides struggle to find the net, with Angers averaging 0.7 goals per game and Auxerre even worse at 0.6. But Angers have that home advantage and Auxerre are just plain awful on their travels.

Key Points:

• Angers have shown resilience with draws against Marseille and Monaco

• Auxerre haven't won away all season (0% away win rate)

• Auxerre concede 2.2 goals per game away from home

• Head-to-head at Angers: 1 win, 4 draws for Angers

• Angers won the last meeting 2-0

The bookies have Angers at 2.60 for the win, which looks decent value to me. Auxerre are in freefall and Angers, while not world-beaters, know how to grind out results at home. I'm backing the home side to nick this one and give themselves some breathing room from the drop zone.